I have dead Group 65 for my 95 XL. It is not a daily driver and routinely sits for weeks without driving (typically in a garage). I am hoping to stay under $200, but it sounds like an AGM is a far better bet than a std lead-acid battery. I had heard there was an AGM from Wal-Mart that was around $180 with a 4-year warranty, but I didn't see anything that said it claims to fit my truck in that price range. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

I am not sold on AGM. I have always bought an Everstart Maxx from Walmart. Get the freshest one from the back of the row. My three vehicles each have Walmart batteries.Never let the battery go dead. The oldest was bought on 2012 and the newest bought in 2016. I load test them each fall. All are still performing well. I stick with what works.

 

https://www.samsclub.com/p/auto-group-65agm-36-mo-free/prod9070062?xid=plp_product_1

I would not use Duracell until they now are manufactured in the US.

Many Walmart batteries are made in the US now that they dropped Johnson controls and their Mexican junk.

 

If it's sitting for weeks at a time without being driven you should keep a battery tender on it.

 

^^^ This ^^^

 

Currently got one on my 94 Bronco. She ain't going nowhere until this salty crap is off the roads. The rust gods claimed my 92, they're not getting my 94.

 

I have heard a couple of other people mention Everstart elsewhere. I don't know enough about batteries to debate AGM. Is there a reason you are against them? I've heard they last longer. And I'll definitely start using a battery tender.

 

The individuals I know who had them get around three years out of them. If you are good with that, go for it.

 

Not sold on AGM here either, although admittedly haven't been keeping up to date with the latest and greatest developments in batteries.

The wayback thinking here was that the AGMs were good for off-road or similar severe service involving shocks and bouncing and extreme angles and rolling over.

Have been happy with the traditional lead-acid setups, getting 10 and 11 years respectively from the one in my '89 F150 and the other in the '81 Jeep.

Figure if they're willing to offer a 3-year free replacement and 8-year pro-rated warranty or so on a premium lead-acid - that's got my attention.

Agree with previous posts that a continuous battery tender or a full-on regular charger session every week or two are strong considerations for extended parking periods.

 

I ended up getting an Everstart Maxx at Walmart. And I have a battery minder, so I will definitely be using it if I don't drive it it often.
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